Paso Robles honors fallen service members at annual Memorial Day Ceremony

By Camille DeVaul · Wed May 27 2026

Veterans, Gold Star families, and community gathered at Paso Robles District Cemetery to reflect on cost of freedom

PASO ROBLES — Community members gathered Monday, May 25, at the Paso Robles District Cemetery to honor the nation’s fallen service members during the annual Memorial Day ceremony, a tradition that has continued in Paso Robles since 1980.

Hosted by American Legion Post 50 and emceed by fellow veteran and Post 50 Commander Chris Rohrberg, the ceremony brought together veterans, families, local organizations, and residents to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.

“Good morning and thank you all for coming to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” Rohrberg told the crowd. “Let us never forget their courage and sacrifice.”

Rohrberg reflected on the origins of Memorial Day, which began as Decoration Day following the Civil War, when families placed flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. Today, he said, the holiday serves as a time to honor all U.S. military personnel who died while serving their country.

He also acknowledged the continuing impact of military service on veterans and their families, noting the lasting effects many carry long after their service ends.

During the ceremony, Gold Star family members — immediate relatives of service members who died in the line of duty — were invited to stand and be recognized for their sacrifice and resilience.

Quoting journalist Elmer Davis, Rohrberg reminded attendees of the importance of honoring military service and sacrifice.

“This nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is home of the brave,” he said.

The ceremony included the Pledge of Allegiance led by Boy Scouts Troop 92, as well as a musical performance by the Cuesta Concord Chorus.

This year’s featured speaker was Command Sgt. Maj. Irma Rodriguez Ortiz of the California Army National Guard’s 223rd Regiment Regional Training Institute. Rohrberg introduced Ortiz not only as a distinguished military leader, but also as a longtime friend and fellow service member.

“I have known CSM Ortiz, Irma, for 29 years,” Rohrberg said. “We have served together, shared meals together, drank together, and grieved together.”

A native of East Los Angeles, Ortiz enlisted in the United States Army in 1994 as an Automated Logistical Specialist. Throughout her career, she has served in leadership positions of increasing responsibility, including platoon sergeant, first sergeant, battalion command sergeant major, and regimental command sergeant major.

Her deployments include Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Among her many awards are the Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.

"After more than three decades in uniform, I have had the privilege of serving alongside Soldiers from every background, every walk of life, united by one common purpose, service before self," Ortiz shared. "I have witnessed extraordinary courage, resilience, and selfless leadership in moments that tested the very core of who we are. But I have also experienced loss. I have stood beside families, battle buddies, and formations carrying the pain of an empty space that can never truly be filled."

In addition to her military service, Ortiz serves the community as an educator at Saint Rose Catholic School, where she focuses on mentorship and leadership development.

"Freedom has never been free. For over 250 years freedom has always been carried forward by ordinary men and women who selflessly are willing to do extraordinary things for something bigger than themselves," said Ortiz. "Our responsibility, as leaders, Soldiers, educators, parents, and citizens, is to ensure their legacy lives on, not only in ceremonies like this, but in how we lead, how we serve, and how we care for one another."

There are many veteran organizations in San Luis Obispo County and many in North County itself. There are American Legion posts in Paso Robles, Templeton, and San Luis Obispo, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts in Paso Robles and Atascadero. There is a satellite office for the county’s veteran services at the Paso Robles Veteran Center. 

To find more information on SLO County veteran services, visit slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Veterans-Services.aspx